Staff & Intake Attorney, Illinois Innocence Project, CSPL

University of Illinois Springfield; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid time Off

Tuition waivers

Job summary

University of Illinois Springfield is seeking a Staff & Intake Attorney in Springfield, IL, to lead the Illinois Innocence Project's intake team and provide direct case representation. The role includes overseeing file reviews, investigations, expert analysis, and litigation on behalf of IIP clients.

The position requires IL licensure, strong advocacy, and the ability to travel within Illinois and beyond. It is an on-site role with potential remote work as needed and offers benefits and annual

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice law in Illinois.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse teams.
• Willingness to travel frequently within Illinois and occasionally out of state.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the IIP case intake team and refer promising cases to evaluation.
• Assist in managing case investigations, including interviews of inmates and witnesses.
• Draft motions and legal documents; appear in court on behalf of clients.
• Participate in case review and selection with staff and interns; present closings to Legal Director.
• Make public and private presentations about the Illinois Innocence Project work.
• Manage intake and case data for grant reporting and measurable goals.

Skills

Verbal & written communication

Interpersonal skills

Travel readiness

Team collaboration

Remote work flexibility

Education

Illinois Bar license

Job description

Staff & Intake Attorney, Illinois Innocence Project, CSPL

Posting Category: E

About UIS:

Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves more than 4,000 students in 44 graduate and 56 undergraduate programs. You are encouraged to visit the university web page at http://www.uis.edu.

Application deadline: 10/12/2026

Minimum Starting Salary: $80,000 annually

Summary:

Reporting to the Legal Director of the Illinois Innocence Project, the Staff & Intake Attorney will oversee the IIP case intake team and process and provide direct case representation, including overseeing file and case reviews, investigations, expert analysis, and litigation on behalf of IIP clients. This position is based in Springfield, IL.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Oversee the IIP case intake team and the referral of promising cases to the evaluation team; in collaboration with IIP staff, audit current case evaluation processes; oversee the development and implementation of new and/or revised processes to improve the evaluation of and response to applications for assistance according to IIP case acceptance standards.
• Assist the legal team in the management of case investigative efforts, including following up on case reviews and selection; interviewing and visiting inmates and witnesses; retrieving and analyzing pertinent case information; and working with and reviewing the work product of student interns.
• Take necessary legal actions on behalf of clients, such as the drafting of motions and other legal documents to be submitted to the court and appearing in court on behalf of clients.
• Participate in case review and case selection with IIP staff and student interns. Present case closings to IIP Legal Director.
• Make public and private presentations about the work of the Illinois Innocence Project.
• Manage intake and case data for purposes of fulfilling grant reporting requirements and other measurable goals.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Licensed to practice law in the state of Illinois.
• Experience in or demonstrated knowledge and interest in wrongful convictions, post-conviction law, and/or criminal law.
• Experience evaluating claims for assistance and/or communication with indigent and incarcerated clients.
• Experience working on teams specifically involving undergraduate and/or law students.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Litigation experience in post-conviction and/or criminal defense.
• Prior experience representing wrongfully convicted individuals or other marginalized communities.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Understanding of and commitment to the mission and programs of the Illinois Innocence Project and to issues of criminal justice.
• Ability to participate productively on multidisciplinary project teams made up of faculty, staff, undergraduate and law students, attorneys, investigators, experts, law enforcement, and prosecutors
• Strong interpersonal skills and evidence of ability to deal with external constituencies
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability and willingness to travel (with a valid driver's license) frequently within Illinois and occasionally out of state. Regular travel around the state is required.
• Ability to work efficiently from a remote location as dictated by health or other requirements, and/or for part of the week

Physical Demands:

• Sitting : Frequently
• Talking : Frequently
• Hearing : Frequently

Working Conditions:

• Atmospheric Conditions : Occasionally

Travel Requirements:

50% Regular travel within Illinois is required. Must possess a valid driver's license.

Employment Policies and other information:

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, and diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds and identities. The University of Illinois System does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their real or perceived race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders and regulations. Visit University of Illinois Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Illinois System conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Convictions are not a bar to employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment.

As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Benefits and Perks:

• Health
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• a Retirement Plan
• Paid time Off
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

UIS employment in this role is not covered by Social Security, and instead, is covered by the State University Retirement System.

You will not pay Social Security taxes and your earning will not be on your Social Security Record. (Your record will, however, show your Medicare wages.

Your pension from the State Universities Retirement System may affect the amount of your:

1. Social Security benefit and
2. Social Security benefit as a spouse

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted by contacting UIS HR at [e-mail] or call 217-206-6652.

***Please Note: All postings close at 5:00pm CST on the posting close date.***